iFOREST launched its report on the “Reform of coal mine closure guidelines to support a comprehensive mine closure framework based on just transition principles” in Kolkata on September 28, 2023. It marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts of iFOREST to develop a comprehensive mine closure framework rooted in Just Transition principles. 

 

The report was launched in a workshop organised by Coal India Limited (CIL) on the Reform of Coal Mine Closure Guidelines to Support Just Transition and Sustainable Development in Coal Mining Regions.  The workshop was convened at a time when the Ministry of Coal is considering revising the mine closure framework in a manner that takes into account the issues of people and local communities.

 

The meeting was attended by the Chairman cum Managing Director of CIL, Shri P.M Prasad, along with the Director of Technical, Director of Personnel & IR, Director of Land, and Head Environment, along with senior officials from CIL subsidiaries. The meeting brought together around 60 stakeholders from the coal mining industry and external experts. The deliberations specifically discussed how mine closure laws and guidelines can be strengthened to maximise the potential of land repurposing to support the local community and generate employment, and also financial considerations that may be considered to ensure holistic mine closure practices.